"The most obvious fact about Venice, bound to strike even the most casual visitor, is the utter improbability of the place." (A Traveller's History of Venice) Weird Venice celebrates that improbability.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Carnevale!!!
Carnevale Starts! February 9 to 20, 2007
A few years ago, I finally made my way to Venice for Carnevale. What I remember most is that the noise from the drunks in Campo San Stefano that kept us awake all night (we were renting this great apartment), the car in the campo and the snow. We didn’t attend many of the events, but had a great time exploring the deserted parts of the city.
Being in Venice on Ash Wednesday, the day after Carnevale, was amazing. A snowy hush quieted the city. The crowds had instantly disappeared, as if Harry Potter had waved a magic wand and spirited them away. We were treated to a sleepy (hungover?) city. We were accepted as people who were in Venice because they loved Venice—not because they wanted to join the drunken hordes.
So if you’re going to Carnevale, have a great time! Please quiet down in the wee hours of the morning so the other folks can sleep. Pick up your trash. Don’t clog the bridges. And stay over for a day or two after the party ends. You’ll be glad you did!
I took the photo from the window of my apartment. It's the car that had been displayed in Campo San Stefano. I took the photo on the day after, when they were loading the car to take it away.
To see the program of events, go to www.carnevale.venezia.it. You'll also find the following story about Carnevale:
The Carnival is Venice!
It is going to be like a gigantic chariot drawn by a thousand horses, accompanying guests and Venetians through the streets of Carlo Goldoni and his company, now three centuries old.
Its name? Carnival!
It will be a voyage of discovery in a fantastic world, made of music, theatre, games and magic. A whirling universe where people from every country can experience the jokes, the masks, and the make-up. Where you can play hide and seek, then reveal yourself and...amaze.
You will return to the truth of “Carnovàl,” magic and enchanting, to forget what you don’t like, don’t need, or don't want.
The Queen will be disguised. She will astonish her people and make men and women from all countries fall in love with her, through colour and coyness.
History, tradition, emotion, will be offered with mock modesty and immense allure.
Venice, Carnival, a single soul, a single idea ...undivided.
“Is Venice the Carnival ? No gentlemen, pardon me: Carnival is Venice!”
If you go, have a great time. Send photos and stories to me.
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